Pinus durangensis - Conifer,Tree,Web page Navigation - Durango Pine Page

The Pinus durangensis, or Durango Pine, is a majestic evergreen tree species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range of Northwestern Mexico. With a height of 25-40 meters and a broad, rounded crown, this tree is one of the most impressive of Mexican pines. Its bark is thick, dark gray-brown, and scaly or fissured, and its leaves are needle-like, dark green, and come in groups of five to seven (mostly six), which is unique in the genus. The cones of the Durango Pine are oval and ripe in spring, and the seeds have a wing that is 1.5-2.5 cm long. This tree species is mainly found at a moderately high altitude of 1,500–2,800 meters, growing from Chihuahua and Sonora to Michoacán. While it is currently one of Mexico's more important timber trees, logging has greatly reduced its range. However, it is currently managed with sustainable, uneven-aged harvest methods. The Durango Pine forms extensive pure stands, creating parklike forests of large, tall trees that cover the landscape over tens or hundreds of square kilometers. These forests invite a walk or a drive through them and are one of the reasons why so many westerns have been filmed in Durango. Check out this iconic tree species on your next hike through Northwestern Mexico.